Joint U.S. Israel Desalting Plant May Be Operative by 1971

The pilot plant planned jointly by the United States and Israel, to test the application of nuclear energy for desalting sea water, may be in operation by 1971, a member of the American team of experts visiting Israel for the project reported today.

The prediction was made by Philip Bush, Kaiser Engineering vice-president, as the experts completed a two-week tour. He said Israel would supply significant elements to be used in the dual-purpose plant. The project was initiated by President Johnson in discussions with Premier Levi Eshkol when the latter visited the United States last June.